"Never again."

The care I recieved after my miscarriages. I had three miscarriages, all early. The first time, I saw my GP after heavy bleeding and intense pain. My doctor referred me but it still took a day for the scan to come through. I could not be seen any sooner. I was advised not to take any painkillers as it was not certain to be a miscarriage. I was afraid and feeling very much alone.

In the maternity unit, the nursing staff were as nice as they could be, but I was in the same department as all the other happy mums to be, clutching scan pictures. THe pain and bleeding had intensified overnight, so I was fairly sure that I would not be so lucky. The scan confirmed the miscarriage, and I was told to go home and take paracetomol and ibuprofen, and that it would be like a heavy period. It was already much worse than period pains. I was given the number of the ward to ring should things get worse. I went home, in too much pain to sleep or rest. I rang the next day as the pain had got much worse, and I was hoping for some better painkillers. However they very discouraging said that unless I couldn't cope, I should stay at home and try to rest. The pain and bleeding lasted for over a week.

After my second miscarriage (which was earlier, and muchless painful) I was told that I should wait before trying for a third by the doctor. When I disagreed, as I'd already had two previous doctors saying that there was no problem trying as soon as possible, she said in no uncertain terms that if I miscarried again, it would be my own fault.

As more recent advice has come out nationally about this, perhaps she should have checked her facts. I did however wait three months before trying a third time, and I miscarried again. It was only after the third miscarriage that they would deign to investigate the reasons behind them.

Anything else?

I felt alone and unsupported. I was treated as a number. The lady doctor who gave me the bad advice above made me wait for over 30 mins while she completed a personal phone call, within my hearing. It was after 7pm, and I was very tired and in pain and wanted to go home.

I have supported the NHS for many years, having lived abroad in the US and in Germany, I have seen the alternatives, which are not always pretty. However I felt betrayed by my treatment at this department, and would not recommend it .

Responses

We are sorry that you have had disappointing care at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and would encourage you to contact the Trust so that we can look into the detail of the issues you've raised to try to improve the service for people in the future. We welcome patient and public feedback and take all issues raised seriously. We would welcome the individual contacting our PALS/Patient Relations team (0118 322 8338 or talktous@royalberkshire.nhs.uk) so that we can find out more information and investigate as appropriate.